Knobby Spring Plate Grommets, 1-3/4 In ID, Bugpack, Pair

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the rear suspension of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, the difference between a sloppy, wandering ride and a crisp, predictable handling experience often comes down to the smallest components. These BUGPACK Knobby Spring Plate Grommets are engineered specifically to replace the soft, failure-prone factory rubber bushings that have likely degraded over decades of use. Unlike original equipment rubber that compresses, cracks, and eventually "squishes" out of the torsion housing, these high-performance urethane grommets feature a specialized knobby design. This unique texture is designed to provide a firmer pivot point for your spring plates, ensuring that your rear suspension geometry remains consistent even under heavy cornering or off-road stress. By eliminating the "bottoming out" effect common with stock rubber, these grommets provide the structural integrity required for both high-performance street builds and rugged woods buggies.

Precision is everything in a VW torsion bar setup, and these 1-3/4 inch ID (Inside Diameter) grommets are the gold standard for enthusiasts looking to modernize their swing axle suspension. Because they are manufactured from a high-density material, they resist the chemical breakdown caused by oil, grease, and road salt, which typically destroys standard rubber in short order. These are the outer grommets, designed to sit between the spring plate and the outer chrome or painted cover plate, providing the necessary dampening without the excessive deflection that leads to wheel hop and poor alignment. Whether you are restoring a 1960s Beetle to its former glory or building a custom sand rail that needs to handle the abuse of the dunes, these BUGPACK grommets deliver a level of durability and "road feel" that stock components simply cannot match. Investing in this pair ensures your torsion housing remains centered and your spring plates operate with the smooth, controlled arc intended by the original engineers, but with a modern performance edge.

FITMENT

These 1-3/4 inch ID Knobby Spring Plate Grommets are designed for the following Volkswagen applications utilizing a swing axle rear suspension:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any custom chassis utilizing a 1961-1968 Beetle torsion housing with a 1-3/4 inch diameter tube.
• Note: These are specifically for Swing Axle transmissions; please verify your torsion tube diameter before ordering for custom applications.

SPECS

Every set of BUGPACK spring plate grommets is built to exacting technical standards to ensure a perfect fit and long-lasting performance:

• Brand: BUGPACK (Distributed by EMPI)
• Part Number: B658710
• Inside Diameter (ID): 1-3/4 Inches (approx. 44.5mm)
• Material: High-Performance Heavy-Duty Urethane
• Surface Style: Knobby / Nobby (Interlocking traction surface)
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 pieces)
• Position: Rear Outer Torsion Housing
• Compatibility: Swing Axle Torsion Tubes
• Resistance: Resistant to oils, grease, and ozone degradation

PRO TIPS

1. Silence the Squeak with Proper Lubrication

One of the most common complaints with high-performance urethane bushings is the potential for "squeaking" during suspension travel. To prevent this, never install these grommets dry. Use a high-quality, silicone-based grease or a specialty synthetic lubricant specifically designed for urethane (often called "Super Lube" or "Moly-Grease"). Apply a generous coat to both the inner diameter where it touches the spring plate and the outer surface that contacts the cover plate. Do not use petroleum-based grease, as it can cause some types of urethane to swell or degrade over time. Properly lubricated grommets will stay silent and provide smooth suspension articulation for years.

2. Thoroughly Clean the Torsion Housing and Cover Plate

Before installing your new BUGPACK grommets, it is critical to remove every trace of the old, rotted rubber. Over time, factory rubber bushings melt and bond to the metal surfaces of the torsion housing and the spring plate cover. Use a wire brush or a gasket scraper to get these surfaces down to bare metal. Any leftover rubber residue will cause the new grommet to sit unevenly, which can lead to premature wear or difficulty getting the cover plate bolts started. Once cleaned, a quick spray of rust-inhibitor or a light coat of paint on the housing will ensure a professional-grade installation that protects your chassis.

3. Use Longer Bolts for Initial Alignment

Installing new, uncompressed urethane grommets can sometimes make it difficult to get the spring plate cover bolts started because the material is much firmer than the old worn-out rubber you removed. A classic pro trick is to find two bolts of the same thread pitch but roughly 1/2 inch longer than the stock bolts. Use these longer bolts in opposite corners to pull the cover plate down evenly against the spring plate. Once the cover is partially compressed and the grommet is seated, you can install the standard-length bolts in the remaining holes, then swap the long ones out for the originals. This prevents you from stripping the threads in your torsion housing by trying to "force" a short bolt to catch.